The Corporation says "we are very sorry for any offence caused" after a repeat of a 2001 show "featuring a character dressed as a DJ impersonating Jimmy Savile" was shown this weekend

CBeebies, the BBC's channel for pre-school viewers, has apologised after broadcasting a 2001 episode of entertainment and learning show Tweenies in which a character dresses up as disgraced Top of the Pops host Jimmy Savile.

In the scene, Tweenie Max dons a blond wig and gold chains, holds a microphone and uses Savile's catchphrase "Now then, guys and gals". It was shown in a pre-9am slot this weekend.

Savile, who died in October 2011 aged 84, is alleged to have sexually abused young girls on BBC property during the 1970s while a host on the music show.

A recent report by the Metropolitan Police and the NSPCC linked him to 34 rapes and 126 indecent assaults against children as young as eight, during a period stretching back as far as 1955.

The broadcasting blunder was spotted by viewers who shared their shock on social networking site Twitter.

Glenn Ebray tweeted: "Dear CBeebies, I'm not sure this was a good choice of DJ to impersonate on The Tweenies today."

Following the complaints, the BBC issued a statement apologising for the mistake: "This morning CBeebies broadcast a repeat of an episode of Tweenies, originally made in 2001, featuring a character dressed as a DJ impersonating Jimmy Savile. This programme will not be repeated and we are very sorry for any offence caused."